KARA WERNLI believes that basketball is more than a game, it’s a way to build meaningful relationships with players that last forever.
Says Wernli, “It’s a privilege to watch these young girls grow into strong confident women, leaders in their schools and communities. It’s truly a reward to be apart of their story.”
This game is dominated by males, for a young lady to choose to pursue sports, it’s important for girls to see women on the coaching staff. While there are many wonderful male coaches, it’s good for girls to be mentored by women as well.
“A female coach gives that extra faucet of lightness that you can only get from a woman. I want to show girls that you can achieve your dream without losing your femininity. It allows girls to see their role models juggling motherhood, being a wife and coach,” said Wernli.
Basketball bonds girls, but on a larger scale, the love of the game bonds generations. Wernli gets to share the love of the game with both of her daughters. She knew that basketball was something that they could share and it could bring them together. Says Wernli, “As my daughters grow, I hope that they will always think about me.”
The girls she’s coached have become like family. While she’s coaching and teaching the game, she knows that it’s more than that. It’s about the bigger picture. It’s about watching girls overcome obstacles, character growth, and pouring into their dreams.
The last game is always coming, it’s the life lessons that we learn from basketball that matters. Says Wernli, “Putting others above self outweighs the wins and losses.”
FAMILY, FEMININITY, AND FEARLESSNESS.